Boone hires Parks as coach

Bill Parks inherited one of the top football programs in the Berks Football League when he was approved as Daniel Boone's coach Monday night, but he's not thinking much about the Blazers' impressive football resume.

He's too busy figuring out how to get his guys ready to win some games come August.

"I'm not gonna be concerned with where we've been in the past," said the 36-year-old Parks after being approved unanimously by the Boone school board.

"We've got work to do and we're going to look at what we need to do this season," said Parks, who comes to Boone after five seasons as an assistant coach at Pottstown High School, and 15 total seasons as an assistant coach. "That's where my focus is going to be."

The Blazers are coming off back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time in their history, but as far as Parks is concerned that is history.

It ended when Dave Bodolus resigned in February after winning more games during his nine-year stint than any coach in the program's 53-year history.

It also doesn't help that most of the starting lineup that helped Bodolus' final Boone team go 10-2 has also left, including Berks Player of the Year Tommy Bodolus.

Parks will have only a handful of starters back. That's why he's so eager to get to work. He said his new players are, too.

"The kids are champing at the bit," said Parks, who plans to meet with the players officially for the first time today. "They want some stability in the program and they're excited to get to work.

"All I've heard is how tough they are and how hard they'll work and how they want to play football. I'm excited to work with them and have this opportunity to affect their lives. This is a great opportunity.

"They obviously have a winning tradition to uphold, and I expect that to continue."

Parks played high school football at North Penn and college ball at McDaniel College in western Maryland, where he was a three-year starter at free safety and a team captain.

His coaching stops include Neshaminy High, Ursinus and Western Maryland colleges and a stint with the semipro Ohio Cannon.

He teaches physical education in the Pottstown School District.

Parks said he isn't committed to any particular offensive or defensive schemes. He said he needs to evaluate the players first to see what he's got to work with. He said he has already begun reviewing Boone game tapes from last season.

"I can't tell you what kind of style (we'll utilize) because I don't know what those players are at those positions yet," he said. "I have a lot of studying to do, a lot more film to watch."

He said he has met with Dave Bodolus, and will utilize him as a resource down the line, but at this point wants to make his own evaluations on players.

"The kids (at Boone) have great attitudes, and the support from the community and the administration and the school has just been incredible," said Parks. "The sport there is wonderful. I couldn't ask for anything more with the facilities; it's a great program. I'm just excited; I can't wait to get started."